Orbis STARDist

Automatic Distillation Testing

STARDist is our brand new Automatic Distillation Unit and includes new and innovative features such as Optical Dry Point Detection, Voc Cold Trap, HD Volume Scan, Automatic Heater Lift, Smart Heater Control and more.

Advanced Heater Control
Heater control, one of the distillation unit’s core tasks, can be challenging around IBP and FBP detection as well as for keeping the distillation rate between 4 – 5 ml per minute., epecially for unknown or difficult samples. STARDist detects the distillation behaviour at the earliest stage, allowing its advanced algorithm to dynamically set the exact right amount of heater power throughout the test.

User interface: iPad with STARDist app software. Available in the App Store. App & updates are free of charge.

Operator support features: PreScan: volume and temperature of a sample-filled receiver are measured in the receiving chamber before each test. Actual measured volume is then corrected to 100% volume. Receiving chamber temperature is automatically set to sample temperature, provided it is within the method-prescribed limits. START check: 1. Heater plate size. 2. PT-100 probe placed in the flask. 3. Heater door closed. (Must be confirmed before the test to start) Results validation: quick pass / fail test validation against method-prescribed limits such as “time to IBP”, “FBP temp.”, etc. Optimization: automatically optimizes program settings with fixed InHeat and Final Heat settings after the first distillation test. Flask Installer ensures easy and correct upright flask positioning for both 125 ml and 200 ml flasks. The vapor probe’s height position relative to the flask’s sidearm is always correct thanks to the vapor probe design in combination with the strict flask dimensions.

Receiving chamber: Built-in drop deflector. Cooling: similar to condenser cooling. 1 sensor for receiver chamber temperature and 1 sensor for sample temperature. The automatic lift moves receiver cylinder up to be sealed at the top, where a small hole ensures exposure to atmospheric pressure. A small tube, laid along the condenser tube and connected to this hole, acts as “VOC Cold Trap”, preventing vapors from escaping the receiver (loss). At the end of this tube a VOC extractor can be connected dissipate VOC emissions. Temperature range: 0 – 45°C. Resolution 0.1°C.